Daughter Follows In Dad’s Footsteps

Every little girl dreams of being Cinderella, and for nine-year-old Riverview resident Jordan Williams the dream really has come true. She recently performed the lead role of Cinderella in the musical “Cinderella,” directed by Joy Rogers at the Florida Academy of Performing Arts in Brandon in early November. The cast will also appear at Nativity’s Novemberfest on Sunday, November 10. Jordan describes her musical experience as amazing and she said, “The best part is singing ‘A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes’ and changing into the Cinderella ball gown.” She also noted that on the other hand, dancing with a boy is not fun, which is a typical response from a young girl her age.

Williams began following in the footsteps of her well-known dad, Derrick Williams (Gospel/Jazz Pianist/Vocalist), at the age of three when she began singing with perfect pitch. From that moment on, it was realized that she would be destined for a life of music. By the end of her pre-school years, she already toured nationally with her dad who also sings the lead role of the Rabbi in the Gospel musical, “The Rock and The Rabbi” and played on the set of her dad’s music show, “The Gospel Voice,” at the Christian Television Network studios.

Her musical gifts are influenced by God, her Dad, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson. She has made several appearances at her dad’s gigs, churches, and community events. She admits getting butterflies before every stage performance, but her dad helps by telling her to keep calm, stay quiet and pray.

Jordan has studied piano for five years and voice at Music Showcase in Brandon and six years of dance (Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop) at Victoria’s School of Dance in Riverview. Musical Theatre experience includes “Sleeping Beauty Kids” (Theatre Arts and Dance Alliance) and “The Wizard of Oz” and “Aladdin” (Florida Academy of Performing Arts). What does the future hold for this starlet? “I’m just being what I expect myself to be as a singer, pianist, and a dancer and actor,” said Jordan. For upcoming performances and more information, contact derlierecords@verizon.net or call 1-866-337-5439.